Little Monk and the Mantis: A Bug, a Boy, and the Birth of a Kung Fu Legend - Hardcover

by John Fusco (Author), Patrick Lugo (Illustrator)

**Creative Child Magazine 2012 Preferred Choice Award Winner**
**Gelett Burgess 2012 Children's Book of the Year Honor Award**

A young boy, abandoned on the steps of the Shaolin Temple, is adopted by mysterious Kung Fu monks. Raised in a place where the powers of animals are studied and practiced, Wong Long tries to fit in and learn kung fu.

Forever bested by the exotic animal styles of the other students, Wong Long runs away from the temple. That summer, he discovers and befriends a small praying mantis. Naming the mantis "Teacher", Wong Long is inspired to create an entirely new style of self-defense. When he returns to Shaolin Temple with his own unique style, the young monk is redeemed, history is made, and a kung fu legend will live on forever.

Little Monk and the Mantis is the thrilling tale of one boy's search for self-expression, courage and the peaceful, non-violent teachings that are at the root of true martial arts.

Author Biography

John Fusco is an award-winning screenwriter with ten major movies to his credit, including "Young Guns", "Hidalgo", "The Forbidden Kingdom", and the Academy Award-nominated animated film "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron". An avid martial artist, he began studying Tang Soo Do at 12 years old and currently holds a black belt in Northern Shaolin Praying Mantis Kung Fu. He lives with his wife and son in Northern Vermont.

Patrick Lugo was the Art Director for Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine for 15 years, where he created the long running comic strip 'Tiger's Tale' which is currently slated for development as a graphic novel. He resides on Alameda Island in the San Francisco Bay.